| 12/29/2007 8:37:38 PM
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- Senior forward Matt Smith (Toronto, ON/Kitchener Dutchmen) (Toronto, ON) scored two goals, including the game-winner for RIT as the Tigers defeated #12 University of Minnesota 4-3 in the first round of the Dodge Holiday Classic hosted by the Gophers at Mariucci Arena.
Smith deflected a shot from Dan Ringwald (Oakville, ON/Oakville Blades) (Oakville, ON) with 11 minutes remaining in the third period breaking a 3-3 tie. It was Smith second of the game and 10th of the season.
The win was the second win over a ranked opponent this season for RIT. The Tigers defeated then-ranked Cornell University back in October.
RIT generated some solid scoring chances in the first period, firing seven shots on net. Brennan Sarazin (Nepean, ON/Nepean Raiders) (Nepean, ON), Ricky Walton (Hamilton, ON/Hamilton Red Wings) (Hamilton, ON) and Matt Smith (Toronto, ON/Kitchener Dutchmen) (Toronto, ON) each had good shots on goal but could not capitalize.
Minnesota struck first with 7:52 remaining in the first period on a goal by Blake Wheeler. Derek Peltier pinched from his defensive spot and fed Ben Gordon. He fed Wheeler on a nice one-two play and wristed a shot into the open net.
RIT tied the score three minutes into the second period on a goal by Mike Janda (Glen Ellyn, IL/Chicago Steel) (Glen Ellyn, IL). Andrew Favot (King City, ON/Aurora Tigers) (King City, ON) started the play behind the Gophers net, controlling the puck and feeding a pass to Tyler Mazzei (Kelowna, BC/Nanaimo Clippers) (Kelowna, BC) in the corner. Mazzei fed Justin Hofstetter (Bright, ON/Cambridge Winterhawks) (Bright, ON) at the point and he sent a wrist shot towards the net that Janda deflected home for his second tally of the season.
Minutes later Minnesota native, Sean Murphy (Rochester, MN/Green Bay Gamblers) (Owatoona, MN) gave the Tigers a 2-1 lead. Dan Ringwald (Oakville, ON/Oakville Blades) (Oakville, ON) intercepted a breakout attempt by the Gophers and sent Murphy in on a partial breakaway.
Murphy fired a shot while falling that beat Jeff Frazee through the five-hole for his third goal of the season.
RIT's lead lasted only three minutes. R.J. Anderson fired a well-placed shot that beat Menard, who was blocked on the play, tying the score at 2-2.
The Tigers regained the lead when Smith stuffed home a shot with 6:28 remaining in the second. Smith and Ricky Walton (Hamilton, ON/Hamilton Red Wings) worked the puck free behind the Minnesota net. Smith ended up with the puck and jammed Frazee, who wasn't hugging his post, for his ninth goal of the season. Walton got the assist on the play
Minnesota tied the game at 3-3 late in the second on a well-placed wrist shot by Jay Barriball. He took a pass from Blake Wheeler and beat Menard cleanly on the stick-side.
RIT took the lead with 11 minutes remaining in the third. Dan Ringwald (Oakville, ON/Oakville Blades) (Oakville, ON) fired a slap shot from the point that Smith deflected past Frazee. He curled around from behind the net and deflected the puck past Frazee for his second goal of the game.
Minnesota picked up the pace of play over the last 11 minutes, putting tremendous pressure on the Tigers.
Mike Hoeffel had a short-handed breakaway opportunity with 7:05 to play, but Menard calmly deflected the shot into the corner.
With 6:32 to play the Tigers were down two-men for 1:47. RIT killed off the penalty despite great pressure from the Gophers.
RIT killed off all four of Minnesota's power plays and went 0-for-1 on its only power play. The Gophers held the advantage in shots, 35-31.
Blake Wheeler had a one-timer with 4:17 remaining in regulation but Menard stuck his pad out and deflected the shot into the corner.
Sean Murphy (Rochester, MN/Green Bay Gamblers) had a great homecoming, tallying a goal and an assist and Dan Ringwald (Oakville, ON/Oakville Blades) chipped in a pair of assists.
Louis Meard (Chicoutimi, PQ) stopped 32 shots, picking up his seventh win of the season. Jeff Frazee made 27 saves anf took the loss.
RIT improves to 7-6-3 overall and will face Boston College tomorrow afternoon at 4 pm at Mariucci Arena. The Eagles defeated Air Force 8-2 in Saturday's earlier game.
